A new report from the Project on National Security Reform (PNSR) provides an independent, comprehensive, fresh critique of the National Counterterrorism Center’s (NCTC) mission to integrate whole-of-government counterterrorism capabilities. The report, prepared with the cooperation of NCTC and other agencies, examines the Center’s Directorate of Strategic Operational Planning (DSOP). Going beyond the current discussion on information and intelligence sharing, the report identifies long-standing systemic impediments in the counterterrorism community and recommends practical reforms.

Title:TOWARD INTEGRATING COMPLEX NATIONAL MISSIONSLESSONS FROM THE NATIONAL COUNTERTERRORISM CENTER’S DIRECTORATE OF STRATEGIC OPERATIONAL PLANNING

Foward:

In 2009, in partial fulfillment of its congressional mandate, the Project on National Security Reform conducted a comprehensive study of the National Counterterrorism Center’s (NCTC) mission to integrate whole-of-government counterterrorism capabilities into strategic plans. A team of distinguished professionals from across the counterterrorism community informed and guided the study.

The report calls for strengthening the interagency processes that serve as the connective tissue among government agencies charged with countering the terrorist threat. It focuses on the Directorate of Strategic Operational Planning (DSOP) within NCTC, but identifies many systemic impediments with implications for the broader national security system. The review, based on the results of extensive research and engagement with government stakeholders, includes steps that the President, National Security Staff, NCTC, and Congress could take immediately to further national security reform.

Most of the analysis for this report was completed before the unsuccessful attack on Northwest Airlines Flight 253 on Christmas Day. However, findings of the initial assessment conducted after this attack serve to validate the conclusions and recommendations of this study and make an even stronger case for action. This incident and other recent events reinforce the need for effective and integrated whole of- government planning.